Duane Beeson

Duane Willard Beeson
Duane W. Beeson
Nickname(s)Bee
Born(1921-07-16)July 16, 1921
Boise, Idaho, US
DiedFebruary 13, 1947(1947-02-13) (aged 25)
Walter Reed General Hospital
Washington, D.C., US
Buried
AllegianceCanada
United States
Service / branchRoyal Canadian Air Force (1941–42)
United States Army Air Forces (1942–47)
Years of service1941–1947
RankLieutenant Colonel
UnitNo 71 Eagle Squadron
4th Fighter Group
Commands334th Fighter Squadron
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross (6)
Purple Heart
Air Medal (6)
RelationsTracy Beeson, née Waters

Duane Willard Beeson (July 16, 1921 – February 13, 1947) was an American fighter pilot and flying ace of World War II. He scored 22.08 victories, including 17.3 air-to-air kills, 12 of which were scored in the P-47C/D Thunderbolt, and 5.3 of which were scored in the P-51-B Mustang. Beeson was one of ten United States Army Air Forces pilots who became an ace in two different types of fighter aircraft.